The 27-year-old Eubank, 10 years younger than Abraham, came out punching in the opening stanza. He peppered his opponent with jabs and hooks. Abraham hid behind his gloves and played peekaboo.

As expected, Eubank’s edge in speed was obvious. Abraham did manage to connect with a right hand at the bell. Abraham came out jabbing in round two. Eubank moved away and flashed combinations. A hard uppercut connected.

Abraham went back his corner with blood dripping from his nose. Abraham surprised Eubank with a rally at the end of round three, but Eubank was still beating him to the punch.

Eubank pounded Abraham with uppercuts in round four. Abraham shrugged off the blows. His chin has always been solid, but he was eating punches and having problems pulling the trigger.

In rounds five and six, Eubank continued to outwork Abraham. The former champion did land a thudding body blow, but his punches were coming one at a time. He was absorbing four to land one. It appeared after six rounds that Abraham’s only chance for victory was if Eubank punched himself out.

Rounds seven and eight were more of the same. Eubank worked over Abraham on the ropes, but none of his punches were hurting his the iron-chinned opponent.

Eubank connected with a left hook and uppercut that snapped Abraham’s head back. A hard right stopped Abraham in his tracks. Abraham tried to make something happen in round nine, but his punches lacked power. Eubank continued to pound him like a cocky younger brother.

With two rounds left in the fight, Eubank had the contest in the bag. Would he go for the knockout? Eubank jabbed and stalked. Abraham fired a rare combination, but his right hand, his best punch, missed again. Seconds later a long left did find pay dirt. Eubank fought back like he was annoyed. He pummeled Abraham with a variety of blows.

Abraham needed a knockout in the last frame, but it was Eubank who fought with a sense of urgency. He strafed Abraham with numerous blows. Abraham tried to land something of significance, but all he found was air.

“He’s (Abraham) is the most durable opponent I’ve ever faced,” said Eubank. “I got to show my boxing skills.”